Redding residents question committee candidate's references amid concerns over past project failures

Concerns over committee appointments took center stage at the Redding City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, as a council member raised serious questions about the qualifications of a candidate. The speaker highlighted troubling references linked to the nominee, specifically targeting Donnell Ewart and Mike Warren.

Donnell Ewart was criticized for allegedly misleading the Board of Supervisors regarding San Antonio's approach to addressing jail bed shortages, claiming funds were redirected to homeless navigation centers. The speaker asserted that this claim was false and pointed to a specific Board of Supervisors meeting for verification. Ewart's involvement in the controversial Project Homekey was also called into question, with accusations that it was pushed through without adequate oversight, resulting in significant community backlash.

Mike Warren, another reference for the candidate, faced scrutiny for his role in the failed Big League Dreams project in Redding and the Stillwater Business Park, which has seen minimal development over 15 years. The speaker expressed disappointment that these individuals were cited as references, suggesting that their track records should disqualify them from being associated with new initiatives.

The council member concluded by urging fellow council members to reconsider the candidate's qualifications based on these references, emphasizing the importance of accountability in committee appointments. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges Redding faces in managing development and community projects effectively.